Saturday, July 27, 2013

Muslim ConvertsGet Support During Ramadan (Boston Globe)For converts, Ramadan, which began the second week of July and continues until early August, can also be lonesome and bewildering. . .And without family to share the predawn suhoor meal and the evening iftar meal — those can be big family meals, or something smaller — some converts miss out on Ramadan's communal spirit. But Boston's largest mosque, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, has been working to help converts enjoy Ramadan. . .

CAIR-PhiladelphiaWants to Share Ramadan with All FaithsThe Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will host "Sharing Ramadan" events that offer opportunities for people of all faiths to experience the Muslim month of fasting.

Amid Controversy, Palestinian Student Allowed to Attend PA High SchoolAn exchange student organization defended Yahya's request prior to Thursday's meeting. And most who spoke at the meeting did the same. One resident in attendance took a different stance, though. And he asked the School Board to scrutinize the 15-year-old's credentials harder, saying Yahya could be a Muslim, and that "the Muslims are becoming radical."

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/21/13) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered condolences to the family of pioneering White House journalist Helen Thomas, who died yesterday in Washington, D.C., at the age of 92.

Thomas, the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, was known for her persistent style of questioning during the administrations of nine presidents. In 2010, CAIR presented Thomas with a lifetime achievement award at the civil rights group's annual banquet.

"We offer sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Helen Thomas, whose pioneering work helped shape the profession of journalism. She will be fondly remembered by the American Muslim community and by all those who value a free press and transparent governance."